Photon Counting X-ray Imaging Device Tissue Contrast
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current X-ray imaging technologies face challenges in distinguishing internal tissues of objects, particularly in generating images with sufficient contrast, especially when dealing with dense breast tissue where parenchymal tissues are dense, making it difficult to detect lesions.
Innovation Solution
The X-ray imaging device employs a method to produce either single energy or multiple energy X-ray images based on the characteristics of the object, using X-rays with different energy bands and a photon counting detector to separate and process image signals, thereby enhancing contrast between tissues and improving detection of lesions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple energy bands are used to improve tissue contrast, then image quality improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the X-ray energy spectrum into multiple discrete energy bands (first energy band and second energy band) and detects them separately using a photon counting detector. This segmentation allows the system to capture different tissue attenuation characteristics at different energy levels, improving tissue contrast while maintaining a manageable device architecture through structured energy binning and separate detection channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the energy parameter of X-rays by radiating multiple energy bands with different average energy levels. By varying the energy parameter and measuring attenuation at each level, the system enhances tissue contrast through differential attenuation coefficients. The controller then processes these multi-energy measurements to generate images with improved soft tissue differentiation.
2Measurement precision
If X-ray dose is increased to improve image quality, then measurement precision improves, but harmful factors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the energy parameter of X-rays by radiating multiple energy bands with different average energy levels. By varying the energy parameter and measuring attenuation at each level, the system enhances tissue contrast through differential attenuation coefficients. The controller then processes these multi-energy measurements to generate images with improved soft tissue differentiation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing step where the controller separates detected X-ray photons into multiple energy bands and performs differential attenuation analysis. This intermediary processing of multi-energy data allows the system to extract enhanced tissue contrast information without requiring a proportional increase in overall X-ray dose, as the contrast improvement comes from energy differentiation rather than dose escalation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach allows for the production of X-ray images with increased contrast between tissues, facilitating the detection of lesions by adjusting imaging conditions based on object characteristics, such as breast density, resulting in improved diagnostic capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
an X-ray detector to detect the X-rays and acquire a plurality of image signals of respective energy bands from the detected X-rays
Implementation Method 2
X-ray transmittance varies depending on internal substances of the object, and an image of the inner structure of the object is acquired using an attenuation coefficient indicating transmittance
Data Source
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AI summary
The X-ray imaging device includes an X-ray generator to generate an X-ray and radiate the X-ray to an object, an X-ray detector to detect the X-ray passing through the object and acquire an image signal of the object, and a controller to analyze the image signal of the object, evaluate a characteristic of the object and generate at least one of a single energy X-ray image and a multiple energy X-ray image according to the evaluated characteristic. FIG. 1